First suspension in Bengal over voter list fraud as Kakdwip Govt official booked for OTP misuse

The Election Commission has suspended Arun Garai, Assistant System Manager of Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas, for tampering with the electoral roll by accessing an official system without authorization. This marks the first instance in West Bengal where disciplinary action has been taken in connection with the manipulation of voter records involving duplicate or fake entries.

According to official sources, Garai unlawfully logged into the system of the Joint Block Development Officer (BDO) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) of Kakdwip. He used OTPs sent to his registered mobile number to access the backend and make unauthorised changes to the electoral roll. He allegedly removed the names of eligible voters and included ineligible names by submitting forged Forms 6, 7, and 8, which are used for inclusion, deletion, and correction in voter records.

The matter came to light following an internal review, after which the Chief Electoral Officer’s office issued a formal summons to Garai. Despite admitting to the charges and submitting an apology in response to a show-cause notice, the Election Commission proceeded with his suspension, citing clear and documented digital evidence. The decision was made in accordance with election rules and procedures.

The Commission has initiated an internal disciplinary probe against Garai for violation of protocol. A chargesheet is being prepared based on the report submitted by the concerned District Magistrate and District Election Officer. Sources confirmed that financial penalties may also be imposed following the submission of the final report.

In response to the incident, an emergency meeting was held with all system managers of the state at Ahindra Mancha, Kolkata, at 12 PM on Saturday. The meeting, attended by the Chief Electoral Officer and senior election officials, focused on reviewing security protocols and reinforcing system safeguards. Additionally, the National Election Commission has requested a full audit of access records and electoral changes made over the past two years.